Opsonization of Treponema pallidum is mediated by immunoglobulin G antibodies induced only by pathogenic treponemes

JM Shaffer, SA Baker-Zander… - Infection and …, 1993 - Am Soc Microbiol
JM Shaffer, SA Baker-Zander, SA Lukehart
Infection and immunity, 1993Am Soc Microbiol
Rabbit antisera to Leptospira interrogans, Borrelia hermsii, and Treponema phagedenis
biotype Reiter, reactive to shared spirochetal antigens, failed to enhance phagocytosis of
Treponema pallidum by macrophages, while immunoglobulin G to Treponema pallidum
subsp. pertenue and Treponema paraluiscuniculi promoted phagocytosis. Opsonic
antibodies are directed to pathogen-restricted, not shared spirochetal, antigens.
Rabbit antisera to Leptospira interrogans, Borrelia hermsii, and Treponema phagedenis biotype Reiter, reactive to shared spirochetal antigens, failed to enhance phagocytosis of Treponema pallidum by macrophages, while immunoglobulin G to Treponema pallidum subsp. pertenue and Treponema paraluiscuniculi promoted phagocytosis. Opsonic antibodies are directed to pathogen-restricted, not shared spirochetal, antigens.
American Society for Microbiology